EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Taranaki-born Kendra Cocksedge is one of the most influential figures in the global game. After debuting for the Black Ferns at just 19-years-old, Cocksedge has gone on to win two Women’s Rugby World Cup titles (2010 and 2017) and was named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2015. She has also excelled in sevens and was part of the squad that won the inaugural Women’s Sevens World Series in 2013.

Lorde, Jacinda and the Farah Palmer Cup

Rugby may have taken me around the world and helped to fulfil some of my childhood dreams, but I never thought it would bring me into contact with world leaders and global pop stars.

That’s exactly what happened on a magical weekend in Auckland when the Black Ferns wrapped up the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy and the All Blacks locked away the Bledisloe Cup for another year at Eden Park.

QUICK TAP: FARAH PALMER CUP WILL INSPIRE THE NEXT GEN - SWANNELLThe whole week leading up to the double header at Eden Park was full of buzz and excitement. From the sponsor promos alongside the All Blacks, to signing autographs in the hotel lobby and extra press coverage, it was an exciting time to be a part of this team of sisters.

We were disappointed with some aspects of our first Test win in Sydney and wanted to put on a more polished performance for our home fans at Eden Park. The Wallaroos were highly competitive and physical but we hit our stride in the second half and were happy with the 45-17 win.

The night prior to the Test we were all in awe when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern walked into our jersey presentation. It was an honour to receive our Test jerseys from the Prime Minister and it was clear that she knows the game and loves the Black Ferns.

The following night at the double header at Eden Park she wore her very own Black Ferns jersey for the trophy presentations for both the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy and the Bledisloe Cup. All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara graciously gave the Prime Minister his own Test jersey following the All Blacks Test so she now has one of each.

I had a fan-girl moment also when I met Lorde and couldn’t resist the opportunity to get a photo with the Prime Minister and Lorde together. To have these two icons backing women’s rugby and the Black Ferns means a lot and launches our game into a whole new domain.

Following the two-Test series against Australia there wasn’t much time to reflect and catch our breath as we were straight into action for our Farah Palmer Cup teams.

The opening round of the Farah Palmer Cup shows just how competitive it is going to be this year.

In the Premiership, Manawatu stunned Auckland and Waikato took out Counties Manukau. In the Championship, Hawke’s Bay recorded just their second ever win over Wellington to cap off a round of upsets.

We (Canterbury) had a solid 55-5 win over Bay of Plenty on a cracking day in Tauranga. Speaking to the girls around all of the teams, we are excited to have so many games live on Sky Sport this year.

Every round there is at least one game shown live on Sky Sport along with all semifinals and finals. As you can see by the results in round one, the time is right for the Farah Palmer Cup to get more exposure and following. The competition is getting better each year and anyone can beat anyone on their day.

This week’s live game is Auckland vs Tasman at 5.05pm on Friday night. Make sure you tune in and follow the greatest women’s rugby competition in the world.